Plymouth Fire Department Prohibits Open Burning

The Plymouth Fire Department has prohibited all open burning --including recreational fires -- in Plymouth. Dry conditions and wind are creating potentially dangerous fire conditions across much of our region, prompting open burning restrictions.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has given the metro area a very high level rating for the danger of fire. Under current conditions, fires can start very easily, spread rapidly and intensify quickly. Visit the DNR website for more information.

The DNR added counties in the central and southeast portions of the state to the burning restrictions already in place in northwestern and north-central Minnesota. The additional counties were placed under tighter restrictions Oct. 7. 

The new counties having limitations placed on campfires and open burning include: Aitkin, Anoka, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Dakota, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona, and Wright.

According to the DNR, fall weekends bring many people outdoors to recreate, including hunters, campers, and others who want to have campfires. 

The DNR urges everyone to use extreme caution where campfires are allowed. Charcoal fires are not limited at this time, but they should not be left unattended. Make sure fires are completely out before leaving. Dry ground can burn. People are responsible for costs to extinguish a fire if it gets away.  

Recreationists should also pay attention to parking locations in the woods. Hot engines and catalytic converters can ignite fires, particularly in these dry conditions. Check that spark arrestors on recreational vehicles are working properly.

Fire conditions change quickly. For more information and maps, and to check fire conditions, visit: www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html. 

Questions about open burning in Plymouth may be directed to Plymouth Fire Chief Richard Kline at 763-509-5121. 

This week, Oct. 7-13, is Fire Prevention Week, which was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that killed 250 people and left more than 10,000 people homeless. The month of October is dedicated to National Fire Safety and Prevention, which is a perfect opportunity to talk to your family about fire safety.

(Some information provided by the city of Plymouth.)